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Among those who do support Karpernick and Nike’s efforts is a new team captain of the Buffalo Bills, star running back LeSean McCoy.

McCoy, also a Nike rep, respected the company’s decision to include the polarizing quarterback. The two-time All-Pro shared withThe Athletic.

“When everything started, you didn’t know what he was trying to do. He’s made his argument clear. I respect the man. It takes a lot of balls, a lot of sacrifice to stick to something he believes in. I’m sure he grew up living to play football. For what it is, putting it out there and to jeopardize his career, it shows you what kind of guy he is. Nike is supporting him. It shows what type of people they have there. So I’m happy to be a Nike rep.”

Prior to last season, McCoy questioned Kaepernick’s ability on the field in combination with the protests. He highlighted that the quarterback’s situation “is not good enough to have him on the team with all the attention that comes along with it,” via ESPN.

“You just got to look at all sides. Like, if I’m an owner or the GM of a team, do I want to put him on my team? Is he good enough to be on the squad, to even deal with everything that’s going on? That’s something that I don’t really partake in,” McCoy added.

The nine-year pro, whose character was questioned in the public airing of issues with his past relationship, has taken a different perspective on Kaepernick from a year ago. McCoy focused more on Kaepernick’s message than his football attributes at this time.

“The whole Kaepernick thing is bigger than if he should be on a team or not. The people that he inspires to stand up for what they believe in, people he inspires to speak out even though they’re afraid, I think he’s the face of that. It’s OK to speak your mind for what you believe in. So it’s bigger than just football.” McCoy said. “It’s not if he can throw the ball or if he can run. The bigger message is what he stands for. If he’s a franchise quarterback or somebody just there for camp, there’s a bigger picture. We should ask why he’s doing it, what he’s standing for.”

As an organization, the Bills have always appeared to have open conversations on the anthem protests between players, the coaching staff, and even owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Last season during Buffalo’s contest against the Denver Broncos, several members of the team locked arms, walked from their sideline, and took a knee on the field during the anthem. Some stood next to players taking a knee.

That was in response to President Trump stating NFL players should be fired for doing so. However, over the rest of the year, the Bills mostly kept the status quo and stood during the anthem.